Daily Weird News Report
The White House has launched an online arcade featuring five Trump-themed video games, according to Boing Boing, turning administration messaging into a collection of simple browser games hosted on an official .gov website.
The games borrow mechanics or concepts from recognizable titles. “Flappy Bill” follows the basic format of Flappy Bird. “Supply Line” resembles Punch-Out!! and asks players to hit seed oils moving along a conveyor belt before they are sent to corrupt children. “Trump Savings Tycoon” is described as a game centered on repeatedly clicking objects.
The most politically pointed titles focus on immigration. “Build the Wall” uses a Tetris-like format in which players assemble a border wall while a “zombie horde” approaches from Mexico. “Rio Run” places players in control of a cartoon version of border czar Tom Homan, who detains characters labeled “border hoppers.” The game displays a running “Deported” total as captures are made.
Boing Boing reported that the arcade currently contains five games and that a sixth may be released later. The outlet characterized the project as part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to use video-game imagery and gaming culture in political messaging.
That effort has also included using existing entertainment properties without permission, according to the report. The administration previously paired an ICE deportation video with the Pokémon theme and used imagery associated with Halo in recruitment material for Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
At least one company whose work appears to be referenced by the arcade has objected. Tetris said on Instagram that it was not involved, would not be involved and takes copyright infringement seriously. The supplied report does not say whether the company pursued legal action or whether any other game makers responded.
The White House arcade is not the only reported example of the administration using popular music or entertainment in its messaging. Boing Boing also reported that singer Sabrina Carpenter objected after the administration used her song “Juno” in an ICE deportation video without her permission.
